Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Introduction

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Our mission is to advance equitable, transformative, and sustainable educational experiences that develop learners, schools, libraries, and communities in Wisconsin. Working at DPI offers you the opportunity to build on our long-standing commitment to public education so that students are learning the skills and knowledge necessary to become contributing members of our communities.

At DPI, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Equity and inclusion are at the core of our organizational values, which include belonging, integrity, love, humility, and honor. These values guide how we build our teams, develop our leaders, and create a culture that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. When employees are respected and valued for who they are and staff are held accountable for demonstrating that respect to others, we believe it drives greater engagement and collaboration, ignites creativity and innovation, and fosters connection between teams and those we serve.

Our employees enjoy an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. We have a team-oriented atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance.

The WI School for the Deaf with the Division of Access and Opportunity is seeking applicants for a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher position. This position is a full time, school year position (88% full time equivalency). WI School for the Deaf is a residential school that has the responsibility of providing a variety of educational services to children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, their families, and the local education agencies (LEA) and programs that serve them.

This position plays a vital role in shaping the educational journey of students with unique needs. With low student-to-teacher ratios, educators have the opportunity to form close-knit relationships within a bilingual-bicultural school community. This environment allows teachers to make a meaningful impact, providing personalized attention and fostering strong connections with each student. Staff members are deeply committed to creating an educational setting that is both inclusive and supportive, ensuring every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Position Summary

The Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will provide classroom instruction for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and/or Deafblind children and/or multiply handicapped Deaf, Hard of Hearing and/or Deafblind children ages 3 - 21. The Teacher will plan and supervise extra-curricular activities as contracted for in a residential school. Instruction includes preparation of materials and planning outside of class time as well as individual and group instruction during assigned work hours.

For more information, please view the complete position description.

Salary Information

This position is in the classification of Teacher. It is a 0.88 FTE and considered a full-time school-year position. Depending on qualifications, the salary will be between $31.27-$35.06 per hour (approximately $57,236 - $64,173 per year, prorated for the 0.88 FTE). For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at time of hire.

Employees in this position may be eligible for a $1.00 per hour add-on for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), contingent upon achieving an ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating of 2+ or higher. Additional compensation up to $2.97 per hour may be given for relevant credits beyond a Bachelor's degree. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. A one-year probationary period will be required.

A sign-on bonus of $2,000 will be offered to eligible employees .

This position offers excellent benefits . The State of Wisconsin is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .

Job Details

Special notes : This is a full-time, school-year position with potential opportunities to work during select summer programs, when available. Typical hours for this position are 7:30am - 4:10pm, Monday through Friday. Employees in this position may also participate in extracurricular activities, including coaching roles, which are eligible for additional lump-sum stipend payments. Stipend amounts are determined by the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of assignment and vary based on the activity and years of experience in that activity.

Candidates must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) upon hire. An American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating level of at least 3 by the end of probation is required.

Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure in Deaf or Hard of Hearing (805) by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

For more information on licensure requirements and licensure application procedures, please refer to the following DPI resources:

• Educator Licensing Overview
• Apply for an Educator License
• Apply for an Educator License (ELO Portal)
• Out of State Licensure Information

The results from this recruitment will be used to fill future vacancies as they become available.

Remote Work : This position is not eligible for remote work and requires the employee to be onsite at their headquarters at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf during all regular working hours.

Headquarters : The position is headquartered at the WI School for the Deaf located at 309 West Walworth Avenue in Delavan, WI. Reimbursement for traveling to or from the employee's headquarters is not provided (e.g., mileage, meals, parking, lodging, etc.).

Pre-hire requirements : A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of hire. A tuberculosis screen will be required prior to start.

Legal authorization : Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., without DPI sponsorship). The Department of Public Instruction does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications

Please address the following in your resume and your supporting documentation:

A minimally qualified applicant must meet all the below :

• American Sign Language fluency.
• Licensure or eligibility for a license in Deaf or Hard of Hearing (805) by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Well-qualified applicants will also have experience :

• Working with students with additional disabilities.
• Writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Supporting children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, preferably in a school-based or educational setting.

How To Apply

For this position, please submit an updated resume and support documentation. Review our Application Tips page on the DPI website for additional guidance.

Upload a copy of your licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Special Education Program Aide (070) with the Department of Public Instruction. Please upload these documents in Step 5 of 6 labeled "Supporting Documentation."

Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Once you have applied, please send an email indicating your interest in being considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program to the HR staff listed in the job posting.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Questions? Please contact the recruiter at:
Jamie Smith
Human Resources Specialist-Senior
Department of Public Instruction
Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. Applications will next be reviewed after June 9, 2026.